The Caledonian Sky, off Batemans Bay in October 2018. Photo: Robert Jacobs, South Coast Pix.
The Eurobodalla’s reputation as a destination for cruise ships takes another leap forward today (October 31) with the Caledonian Sky dropping anchor off Batemans Bay.
This will be the luxury liner’s second visit, part of a regional strategy by the Port Authority of NSW and Eurobodalla Shire Council to increase visits by smaller cruise ships.
Having departed from Cairns on October 9, the Caledonian Sky is on 24-night expedition along the Australian coast, and is destined to reach Melbourne on November 2, carrying 85 international passengers and 79 crew.
The Caledonian Sky, off Batemans Bay in October 2018. Photo: Robert Jacobs, South Coast Pix.
“It’s a fantastic start to the shire’s summer season,” Mayor Liz Innes says, “I hope everyone joins me in welcoming visitors from the Caledonian Sky to our shores.”
“They’ll disembark using zodiacs at the town jetty before continuing on their expedition programs, including trips to the Batemans Bay CBD or tours of Canberra and of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden and Mogo Village.
“It’s another terrific opportunity to showcase the beautiful region we live in.”
A Premium Balcony Suite onboard the Caledonian Sky. Photo: Noble Caledonia
Eden based, Natalie Godward, Cruise Development Manager for the Port Authority of NSW says the demand for regional cruise destinations is outstripping the supply.
“The ship came last season and they booked again for this season the following week which a big testament to how good the Batemans Bay experience is,” Ms Godward says.
“It’s about the welcome, the community and the support passengers receive – and they get that in spades in Batemans Bay.
“We’ve got two more visits coming this season after Caledonian Sky – the Seabourn Encore on February 4 and March 9.”
Natalie Godward, Cruise Development Manager Port Authority of NSW. Photo: Ian Campbell.
Ms Godward is pitching eight NSW regional ports to cruise lines like P&O and Carnival – Eden, Batemans Bay, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Trial Bay, Newcastle, Port Kembla, and Kiama.
“And Batemans Bay holds a really unique place with it’s proximity to Canberra,” she says.
“Experiencing the Eurobodalla’s natural attractions, history and commercial centre is part of the draw, but a bus to Canberra to experience places like the war memorial, parliament house, and art gallery has a lot of appeal.
“On this ship, passengers come from Europe, and Batemans Bay provides a unique Australian experience whether that’s time in Mogo or in our capital city.”
Click play for a highlights package of the Caledonian Sky’s visit last October…
Thanks to Robert Jacobs from South Coast Pix for his amazing images and sharing them so generously. To see more of Robert’s work head to the South Coast Pix Facebook page.
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